Whitney Portal

Show on map760-937-6070
INYO NATIONAL FOREST
LONE PINE, CA

Overview

Whitney Portal Campground is in a prime location within the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - at the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States.

With hiking trails to Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness less than a mile away, the campground is a popular home base for hikers, as well as family, RV and tent campers who wish to explore the area's activities and enjoy unparalleled scenery.

Recreation

Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit.

Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.

Facilities

The campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek and just down the road from Trailhead Campground. Numerous campsites are arranged on either side of the creek, including three group camping areas and several tent-only sites. Paved roads, vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Bears frequent the area, and campers are required to use the bear-proof food storage lockers provided in the facility (all supplies must fit; dimensions are 18 inches high, 18 inches deep and 50 inches long). Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and a small convenience store with showers is nearby.

Natural Features

The facility is situated in a thick pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Campers can see striking views of the rugged granite peaks surrounding it.

The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

Nearby Attractions

Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.

John Muir Wilderness

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

Camp site features

Across 46 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 46 sites
  • Group sites: 3 of 46 sites
  • Longest rig: 35 ft
  • Largest party: 15 people

Directions

From U.S. Highway 395 in California, travel to the town of Lone Pine. The campground is 13 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

576 reviews
5 stars
502
4 stars
50
3 stars
13
2 stars
5
1 stars
6
Lou D
Loop:Whit
Site:
Reviewed 5 days ago
Easy reserving, clean site. Just had a good time there.
Michael C
Loop:Port
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
Bob camp host was excellent Great attitude and was on top of everything
Amy G
Loop:Whit
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
We enjoyed our stay at Whitney Portal. This site, #003, was very nice. Set back enough from the road, near the creek to hear the water running. Unfortunately there is a trail at the back of the site, near the creek, and the only truly level spot for a tent puts you directly next to this trail. It wasn't used a lot, but it is something to note. We could also smell the vault toilets from our site. They were kept clean, but the odor from one uphill from us drifted thought the site. Also, be aware many people staying here are hiking My Whitney so there is quite a bit of car lights etc around 2am.
Nathalie R
Loop:Whit
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
This is a great campground. Small campground with small sites, very quiet. Great view of the mountain, easy access to the trails, stream with trouts going through the campground. Highly recommended.
Laura M
Loop:Port
Site:
Reviewed 7 days ago
G2 is a great site - right next to the creek and very spacious with lovely sounds of running water. You do have to haul your gear a bit farther to get to the site , so best not to bring heavy stuff.
RONALD M
Loop:Port
Site:
Reviewed 11 days ago
Quiet and clean. Group spots need to carry gear for 50 yds
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Busy

Busiest in August, when about 67% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

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